1885 - What happened in 1885 ?

January 1885

Sunday 04:

The first successful appendectomy is performed by Dr. William W. Grant on Mary Gartside.

Saturday 17:

A British force defeats a large Dervish army at the Battle of Abu Klea in the Sudan.

Tuesday 20:

L.A. Thompson patents the roller coaster.

Monday 26:

Troops loyal to the Mahdi conquer Khartoum.

February 1885

Thursday 05:

King Léopold II of Belgium establishes the Congo as a personal possession.

Monday 09:

The first Japanese arrive in Hawaii.

Wednesday 18:

Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is published for the first time.

Saturday 21:

The newly completed Washington Monument is dedicated.

Saturday 28:

The American Telephone and Telegraph Company is incorporated in New York State as the subsidiary of American Bell Telephone. (American Bell would later merge with its subsidiary.)

March 1885

Tuesday 03:

The American Telephone and Telegraph Company is incorporated in New York State as a subsidiary of American Bell Telephone. (American Bell would later merge with its subsidiary.)

Tuesday 31:

The United Kingdom establishes a protectorate over Bechuanaland.

April 1885

Friday 03:

Gottlieb Daimler is granted a German patent for his engine design.

May 1885

Saturday 02:

The Congo Free State is established by King Léopold II of Belgium.

Tuesday 12:

North-West Rebellion: The four-day Battle of Batoche, pitting rebel French Canadians against the Canadian government, comes to an end with a decisive rebel defeat.

June 1885

Wednesday 03:

Last military engagement fought on Canadian soil: Cree leader Big Bear escapes the North West Mounted Police.

Friday 12:

At a murder trial in France, a roof collapses, killing 30 people.

Wednesday 17:

The Statue of Liberty arrives in New York Harbor.

July 1885

Wednesday 01:

United States terminates reciprocity and fishery agreement with Canada.

Monday 06:

Louis Pasteur successfully tests his vaccine against rabies. The patient is Joseph Meister, a boy who was bitten by a rabid dog.

Monday 20:

The Football Association legalises professionalism in football under pressure from the British Football Association.

August 1885

Friday 14:

Japan's first patent is issued to the inventor of a rust-proof paint.

Saturday 29:

Gottlieb Daimler patents the world's first motorcycle.

September 1885

Wednesday 02:

In Rock Springs, Wyoming, 150 white miners attack their Chinese fellow workers, killing 28, wounding 15, and forcing several hundred more out of town.

Sunday 06:

Eastern Rumelia declares its union with Bulgaria. The Unification of Bulgaria is accomplished.

October 1885

Thursday 01:

1885 - United States begins special-delivery mail service.

November 1885

Saturday 07:

In Craigellachie, British Columbia, construction ends on the Canadian Pacific Railway railway extending across Canada.

Monday 16:

Canadian rebel leader of the Métis and "Father of Manitoba", Louis Riel is executed for high treason.

December 1885

Tuesday 01:

Although the exact date is unknown, the US Patent Office acknowledges December 1st, 1885 as the first day Dr Pepper was served.

Tuesday 22:

Ito Hirobumi, a samurai, became the first Prime Minister of Japan.